Malton MP To Stand As Independent After Deselection by Conservatives

Malton MP Anne McIntosh has been rejected as the Conservative candidate for the seat at the next election after a vote of party members - but says she will fight the seat at the next election as an independent.

The bookies are already taking bets on the 2015 result with Ladbrokes offering the following odds:

1/20 Conservatives

20/1 Anne McIntosh

25/1 UKIP

50/1 Lib Dem

100/1 Labour

A Conservative spokesman said: "The Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association have voted not to re-adopt Anne McIntosh MP as their candidate for the next General Election. Selection for the Thirsk and Malton constituency will be opened in due course."

Anne McIntosh, Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton, said: "I'd like to thank all those who supported me throughout, from both Vale of York and Thirsk and Malton."

"It is my intention to stand for Thirsk, Malton and Filey constituency at the next General Election."

"Meanwhile I remain committed to the Conservative Party locally and nationally and shall continue with my constituency and parliamentary duties with my customary passion."

"In the coming year I will support Conservative candidates in the European Elections in Yorkshire and the Humber and Conservative local Government candidates in Thirsk, Malton and Filey in 2015."

It means Conservatives in Thirsk, Malton and Filey will have to choose a new candidate for next year's general election. It's believed Anne McIntosh will not be allowed to put her name forward for the seat in 2015 and a list of new candidates will be chosen by party members.

Leader of Ryedale Council Linda Cowling has been a leading supporter of the MP and is saddened by the news.

Although Anne McIntosh is chair of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs Committee and is well known and respected in Westminster. Senior party officials locally forced a vote on her future saying she is not doing enough to help people in her area and claimed she is difficult to work with. That view has now been backed up by local party members.

"What on earth is the Conservative Party’s problem with women? With Anne McIntosh deselected, the Tories look set to lose their only female MP in the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber. And already one in 10 of the Conservative women MPs elected in 2010 have announced that they are standing down at the next election. David Cameron has done nothing to stand up for one of his most senior women MPs. His silence speaks volumes at a time when many people are asking why the Conservative Party is so out of touch."